Et Games is a small Hampshire games company that is in trouble largely thanks to red tape.  The company started life as Pucket Enterprises in 2009 and since then have won investment through the investment TV program Dragons’ Den and have published three wooden dexterity-type games, Pucket, Bridget and Rollet.  These games are made in India out of sheesham wood (Dalbergia sissoo) from managed plantations.  Unfortunately, sheesham wood looks similar to some endangered rosewoods, so a recent change in the rules means Et Games now require an import permit for each shipment.

– Image from etgames.co.uk

According to Et Games’ website, delays by the Indian authorities in providing the necessary export permit for a recent shipment, meant Et Games were unable to apply for a UK permit until shortly before the goods arrived. The UK Animal Plant and Health Authority (APHA) say this was too late, so they have confiscated the whole shipping container worth £20,000 which will probably end up being destroyed.  With other costs and forgone profits, this small business has effectively lost up to £40,000, putting the company in peril.  In an effort to save the business, Et Games are trying to get the support of their local Member of Parliament, Damian Hinds, and persuade him to write to the relevant junior minister (Therese Coffey) to refer the matter to the Parliamentary Health Service Ombudsman.  Anyone who wishes to support Et Games and help to raise the profile of their plight can sign their petition on change.org.

– Image from etgames.co.uk